MAPPING OUR LITERARY PAST,

PRESENT AND FUTURE

21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD
THE PRECOLONIAL
PHILIPPINE
LITERATURE
 The precolonial
literatures of the
Philippines were
abundant with myths and
legends to explain
particular phenomena in
daily life.
If this is written during Precolonial Period (900–
1521) when paper and pen was still not
invented, how do you think it was preserved?

Most of PH Precolonial Literature

are taken from Oral Literature
passed down from generation to
generation.
Other Forms of PH Precolonial Literature that
were passed on by the early Filipinos to today's
generation.

1 Proverbs or "salawikain" are practical

observations and philosophy of everyday
life that are written usually in rhyming
scheme.

Kung ano ang puno,

siya ang bunga.
Other Forms of PH Precolonial Literature that
were passed on by the early Filipinos to today's
generation.

2 Folksongs are informal expressions of our

ancestor's experiences in life. This range
from courtship to lullabies, harvests,
funerals, and others.

May payneta pa siya — uy!

May suklay pa man din — uy!
Nagwas de-ohetes ang palalabasin
Haharap sa altar at mananalamin
At saka lalakad nang pakendeng-kendeng
Other Forms of PH Precolonial Literature that
were passed on by the early Filipinos to today's
generation.

3
Tales are stories of origin for certain places,
their names, and their creation. These are also
known for myths and legends. These are
usually to explain phenomena in our ancestors'
lives that cannot be explained by the limited
practical kinds of science they knew way back
then.

Why the sky is high?

Other Forms of PH Precolonial Literature that
were passed on by the early Filipinos to today's
generation.

4 Epics are long-winded poems

about a hero and his
adventures and misadventures.

Why the sky is high?

Other Forms of PH Precolonial Literature that
were passed on by the early Filipinos to today's
generation.

5 Riddles or "bugtong" demand an answer

and are used to test the wits of those who
are listening.

Nang bata pa ay apat ang paa.

Nang lumaki ay dalawa.
Nang tumanda ay tatlo na.
 MODERN RIDDLE WRITING
In 5 minutes, compose a riddle in which the answer is the object to
be shown later. Write it in 1/4 sheet of paper.

Suot ko ang konsensya kong nagpapantig

Bulong na ako lang ang nakakarinig
 MODERN RIDDLE WRITING
In 5 minutes, compose a riddle in which the answer is the object below.
Write it in 1/16 sheet of paper.
THE SPANISH COLONIAL
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
How Spanish is the
Philippines?
When PH was colonized by
Spaniards, its literature became
centered on the Christian faith.
Regardless, Filipinos still found
way to make Spanish literature
their own.
 1
PH Literary Forms during Spanish Colonialism

Pasyon is a narrative
poem about the life of
Jesus Christ beginning
from his birth and up to
his death.
 2
PH Literary Forms during Spanish Colonialism

Cenaculo is the
dramatization of the
passion of Christ. It
highlights the
sufferings and death
of Jesus Christ.
 3
PH Literary Forms during Spanish Colonialism

Moro-moro is
melodrama depicting
the conflict of
Christians and
Muslims.
 4
PH Literary Forms during Spanish Colonialism

Carillo is a play that

uses shadows as its
main spectacle.
 5
PH Literary Forms during Spanish Colonialism

Duplo or Karagatan are

native dramas that are
connected to Catholic
mourning rituals and
harvest celebrations.
 6
PH Literary Forms during Spanish Colonialism

Zarzuela is a form of
entertainment that are
musical comedies with a
certain plot.
These writings, precolonial or
colonial, are to be cherished for
they show the ever-evolving lives
of the Filipinos and the extensive
colorful history of the country.
MAPPING OUR LITERARY PAST,
PRESENT AND FUTURE
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD